Billy Elliot: The Musical!

Listed in alphabetical order:

ISA ARMSTRONG: Isa is a 14 year old freshman at Hamilton Southeastern High School who is excited to be a part of this amazing cast. Some of her favorite roles have included Sarabi in THE LION KING and the featured dancer in THE SECRET GARDEN. A few of her other featured dance roles includes THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and SHREK, JR. She is thankful to Bob, Kenny and Trevor for this opportunity and for being so supportive.

TAIA BAKER: Taia is an Anderson University student graduating in December with a degree in athletic training and dance and has danced in student and faculty choreographed showcases at Anderson University.  She had the opportunity to be a back up dancer in a music video for the band Family Force 5.  Taia was a regular extra on the hit CW television show ONE TREE HILL.  Once graduated she hopes to still perform but really wants to shift her focus more on the medical side of the dance world and become an athletic trainer specifically for dancers.

KYLEE BOOHER: Kylee is excited to be a member of this very talented BILLY ELLIOT cast! Prior to BILLY ELLIOT, Kylee was most recently a featured dancer in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL at the Belfry Theatre as well as THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES (Lady of the Court) and SLEEPING BEAUTY (Chorus of Goons, Fumpfel). Special thanks to Bob Harbin for this amazing opportunity, Kenny Shepard for the smooth moves and Michele Stewart, Kylee’s personal Miss Wilkinson. Love to Mom, Dad and Abby!

BILL BOOK: BILLY ELLIOT marks Bill’s first production with BOBDIREX. He was most recently seen on stage last fall as Felix Geisel in THE GAME’S AFOOT and the previous spring as King Arthur in SPAMALOT!. Past favorite credits include NINE, CAMELOT, MOON OVER BUFFALO, GUYS & DOLLS, CITY OF ANGELS, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, FOREVER PLAID, SWEET CHARITY, LEND ME A TENOR, DAMN YANKEES, LEADING LADIES, PETER PAN, NOISES OFF, THE MUSIC MAN, CAMELOT, PACIFIC OVERTURES, COMPANY, NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, H.M.S. PINAFORE and CAROUSEL.

AUDREY BRINKLEY: Audrey is thoroughly excited to be a part of her third BOBDIREX production! Her past shows with the company have included HAIR in the role of Crissy and SPAMALOT as a Laker Girl. Most recently Audrey has been seen as Lavinia in EclecticPond Theatre Company’s production of TITUS ANDRONICUS. Audrey is a graduate of Anderson University, and holds a BA in Music Education; outside of rehearsals, she is a dance teacher at The Tap Academy in Frankfort, IN and a freelance choreographer. Audrey has been having a wonderful time as a part of both this cast and crew, and is very grateful for another such fun opportunity!

STUART COLEMAN: Stu moved to Indianapolis from his hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia to attend Butler University as a dance major in 2010. He graduated in 2014 and immediately joined David Hochoy and Dance Kaleidoscope. He has studied at the schools of Paul Taylor Dance Company, Ballet West, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, among others. Stuart has been away from musical theatre since 2010 but some of his favorite performances include FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, Lumiere in DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST and Tommy Djilas in THE MUSIC MAN. Stuart is thankful to Bob for the opportunity to rejoin the world of musical theatre, and grateful to the cast for tolerating him as he “gets back his musical theatre sea legs.”

BELLA DOSS: Bella Doss is a 12 year old student and competitive dancer from Westfield who is thrilled to be part of the BILLY ELLIOT cast!  Bella is an Encore Award winning actor who has been performing since age 5.  Some favorite past roles include Mary (THE SECRET GARDEN), Rhoda (BAD SEED), Marta (THE SOUND OF MUSIC), Molly (ANNIE), Martha Cratchit (SCROOGE THE MUSICAL), Gracie Shinn (THE MUSIC MAN) and Children’s Chorus (JOSEPH…).  Bella also dances with A-List Dance Company and Extreme Rhythm Project. Bella would like to thank her parents for putting up with years of nonstop tap dancing around the house and Bob, Kenny, and the production team for this great opportunity!

JACK DUCAT: Jack is a 13 year old 8th grader at Creekside Middle School who is thrilled to be “Expressing” himself as Michael. Some of his favorite roles include Colin Craven in THE SECRET GARDEN, Gavroche in LES MISERABLES, Iago in ALADDIN and Peter Cratchit/Boy Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Jack would like to thank Bob, Kenny and Trevor for this wonderful opportunity and the entire cast and crew for being so supportive and encouraging. He would also like to thank Mrs. Johnson, Kendra and Rebecca for helping him to achieve his goals.

FRANK EBELS: Recent credits include singing with the Indianapolis Opera Chorus, Demetrius in TITUS ANDRONICUS with Eclectic Pond Theatre Company, and Franz Liebkind in THE PRODUCERS with the Sugar Creek Players. Some past favorite roles have been John Proctor in THE CRUCIBLE: THE OPERA and Mr. Mayor in SEUSSICAL. Frank is excited to be a part of a wonderful production and is grateful to work with such talented cast, crew and directors. Enjoy the show!

ERIN ELBERFELD: Having just turned 17, doing the dance-musical BILLY ELLIOT only seemed appropriate for this dancing queen. Erin is a senior at North Central High School, where she has performed in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and SEUSSICAL. Some of her other theatre credits include HAIRSPRAY (Council Member), CATS (Victoria), and URINETOWN (Little Sally). In the few instances that Erin is not on stage, she enjoys driving her friends around because that’s the only way they will hang out with her. She would like to thank everyone who has supported and helped her with her musical theatre career and life. She hopes you enjoy the show!

TJ FORD-CUNNINGHAM: TJ is ecstatic to be taking on the role of everyone’s favorite drunk accompanist, Mr. Braithwaite! Favorite credits include: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (James),  AIDA (Amonasro), and HAIRSPRAY (Duane). An Indiana University alum, TJ had the opportunity to tour around the country (and even China!) with the Singing Hoosiers as a soloist and member of the Varsity Singers dance troupe. Next up for TJ is Zach Rosing Productions’ THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW this October! When he’s not rehearsing a tap combo or practicing this accent, he works at Salesforce in the IT department (no, I cannot fix your computer). Love to the cute-ish lighting designer, my “holy trinity,” and to Shade Enclosed.

JAYLA GOWDY: Jayla is super excited to be in her debut performance in BILLY ELLIOT. She is 5 years old and loves to sing, dance, and act just like her mom, Tori Gowdy!!! She enjoys swimming and loves shopping. She would like to thank Bob for these awesome opportunity!!! She also wants to thank for dad and her G-ma fire their continued support!! Love you guys!

TORI GOWDY: Tori is excited to be working with this cast of BILLY ELLIOT!! Her last production with BOBDIREX was HAIR, where she was apart of the fabulous tribe. She has since choreographed several productions with ACT (Asante Children’s Theatre) as well as other theatre productions and dance/cheer companies around town. She is now the movement coordinator for ACT and their Prep 4 Life program! She has been involved with just about all the theaters around Indy such as American Cabaret Theater, Asante Children’s Theater, Civic Theater, Footlite Musicals, and Indiana Repertory Theatre. Thanks to my mom and everyone else who continues to support and believe in me and I love you all!!!! I’m so proud of my baby, Jayla!!

JOHN BRENNAN HAYES: Some of John’s favorite roles include: Archibald Craven in THE SECRET GARDEN, Paul Berthalet in CARNIVAL, and The Baker in INTO THE WOODS. Since moving to Indianapolis, he has appeared in shows with Footlite Musicals, Epilogue Players, Carmel Community Players, and Acting Up Productions. It is an honor to work with Mr. Harbin again and his outstanding production staff. Thank you to this extremely talented cast and crew for sharing your talents and making this experience so special for me.

DEJUAN JACKSON: Dejuan is grateful to be participating in another BOBDIREX production!   Some of his favorite credits include HAIR (Hud), A CHORUS LINE (Richie Walters), RENT (Tom Collins), GREASE (Teen Angel), PIPPIN (Lewis), AVENUE Q and XANADU. One of his proudest moment was performing at Carnegie Hall with the world renowned Purdue Varsity Glee Club. Special thanks to his family and friends for all of their support through the years, he would be nothing without your love!

DENNIS JONES: Dennis was last seen on stage in BABES IN TOYLAND after a successful run of the Premiere of THE FIVE HEARTBEATS with The Cupboard Theater Company. He produced SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, appeared with the Candlelight Theater at Benjamin Harrison Home last fall, and in his spare time he recently has taken up Golf–how about that!  Dennis would like to thank the BIG four, Bob, Trevor, Kenny & Deb for taking him along on this magical ride, thanks! and the Jones family for there support in this crazy entertainment world–couldn’t have done this without my heavenly Father.

BRADLEY KIEPER: Bradley is thrilled to be making his debut with BOBDIREX!  He graduated from Ball State University in Fall 2012 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance. Some notable roles include: John Northbrook in MARY POPPINS (Civic ’15-’16), Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, A CONCERT (TOTS ’15), Captain in ANYTHING GOES (Round Barn ’15), and George Dawson in CARRIE: THE MUSICAL (Buck Creek ’14). He recently made his directorial debut with DOG SEES GOD at Buck Creek Players. Bradley has also performed with the Indianapolis Opera company and the Ball State Opera theater. Aside from singing, Bradley enjoys movies, reading, and spending time with his wonderful family. Thank you Mom, Dad, Breezy and Brookie (Boo) for always being there for me and supporting me in my singing endeavors. I love you all. And to one of my biggest supporters, whom is no longer with us, Grandma. This show is for you. Love you and miss you. Enjoy the show!

KENNEDY MARTIN: Kennedy has performed in many community and professional theater productions as well as in several independent films. She was most recently seen at Beef & Boards as Wendy Darling in PETER PAN, Fern in CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and Jane Banks in MARY POPPINS. Kennedy is excited to be spending her summer doing what she loves with all of her new ballet friends! Love and thanks to Mom and Dad for their support and to Kenny, Bob, and Trevor for this opportunity!

MIKI MATHIOUDAKIS: Miki loves dancing and took her first ballet class at age 3.  She loves Greek dancing and has been known to encourage people of all ages to join in.  Miki is grateful to be working with the soulful Bob Harbin, Kenny Shepherd and Trevor Fanning and the chance to perform with some old friends for the first time and many new and much younger friends.  She’s been performing in the area for the past 50 years so you might have seen her in something. Grandma is definitely speaking for herself when she declares she “never will be sober!”  Psalms 34:5

LANEY McNAMAR: Laney is going to be a sophomore at Carmel High School and is super excited to be in Billy Elliot! Other performing credits include GYPSY (Baby Louise) at Actors Theatre of Indiana, HAIRSPRAY (Tammy) at Footlite Musicals, FAME (Carmen Diaz) at Creekside Middle School, and as the title role in ANNIE. She also appeared in the local feature film, WIG’D OUT, as Carly. In her free time, she enjoys dancing at Performer’s Edge, participating in both the winter and fall dance teams at CHS, and performing as a member of the Carmel Accents show choir. She would like to thank her friends and family for their ongoing support. Enjoy the Show!

TYLER OSTRANDER: Tyler is excited to be working with BOBDIREX again! He appeared onstage as Woof in their production of HAIR two years ago, and is happy to be teaming up with Bob, Trevor, Kenny, and everybody else on this show. A graduate of Butler University, Tyler has been performing professionally in Indianapolis for three years; he has worked with the Phoenix Theatre, IRT, HART, and TOTS. Tyler thanks his family and all of his friends for their continued support, and you for coming out to support theatre!

MATT ROHRER: Matt, a recent BFA Dance Graduate from Ball State, is thrilled to work on BILLY ELLIOT through BOBDIREX. His college credits include THE NUTCRACKER, GUYS & DOLLS, and THE MUSIC MAN. He is also known at Footlite Musicals through productions such as BATBOY: THE MUSICAL, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: THE MUSICAL, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.

DAN SCHARBROUGH: BILLY ELLIOT marks Dan’s debut with BOBDIREX.  He has performed at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Footlite Musicals, Buck Creek Players, Carmel Community Playhouse, CTS Repertory Theater, Theater on the Square, and, professionally at Beef & Boards Dinner Theater, the Indiana Repertory Theater.  Recent roles include  David O. Selznick in the Indiana premiere of MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS, Officer Lockstock in URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL, and Ansell Smith in KILLER JOE, and  He has also been seen in the films HOOSIERS, EIGHT MEN OUT and EYES OF THE PREY.  Dan would like to thank his great friend, mentor and bon vivant, Murray Schwartz, and, most importantly Jennifer, his wife of 35 years, without whom his acting career would not be possible…..because every time he gets a little fidgety, she kicks him out of the house to do a show.

SEAN SEAGER: Dress is so happy to make his/her debut with BOBDIREX. As a simple plead in his/her youth, she/he longed to be off Britney Spears bubblegum image and branch out to be a feathered faux pax for Bjork. Having traveled the world, she/he is excited to return to Indy for this magical production. He/she hopes you enjoy the ever changing hem lines offered by Dress during this show.

TRISHA SHEPHERD: Trisha is excited to be a part of her first BOBDIREX production after appearing in shows at Civic Theatre (LES MISERABLES, THE WIZARD OF OZ) and Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre (THE WIZARD OF OZ, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, SNOW WHITE). She has been acting and singing since grade school, with favorite roles that include Glinda in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Fiona in BRIGADOON and Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Trisha sends huge hugs to Bob, Kenny and Trevor, to her uber-supportive family and friends, and to her children, Calvin, Clara and Daisy May. “I will always be proud to have known you. Love you forever.”

GWENDOLYN STOUT: Gwendolyn is excited to be making her BOBDIREX debut! Currently a musical theatre major at Kent State University, Gwendolyn is enjoying her summer break with lots of work, theatre, Netflix, and sleep. Favorite credits include THE WHO’S TOMMY (Sally Simpson, Footlite Musicals), CATS (Jennyanydots, Footlite Musicals), and ANNIE (Tessie, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre). “Magic is theatre and theatre is magic; blessed are we who create that magic.” Thank you for supporting the magic!

HOLLY STULTS: Holly is thrilled to be making her debut with BOBDIREX and this production. Holly has performed locally at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre: 18 shows; The Phoenix Theatre: regional premier of URINETOWN (Little Becky Two-Shoes); Civic Theatre: PIPPIN (Fastrada) and SWEET CHARITY (Charity) and at ATI: CHICAGO (Velma Kelly); GYPSY (Mazeppa);and THE FANTASTICKS (The Mute—can you imagine?!) . In real life, she works at The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre as the Education Programs Director and is a graduate of the esteemed Department of Theatre and Dance at Ball State University where she proudly serves on the alumni board. Holly is married to Karl P. Haas and has 3 sons, 2 stepsons, and a French bulldog named Quincy Pierre. For all the dance teachers who make a difference in children’s lives. “All you hafta to do is Shine!”

THOMAS WHITCOMB: Thomas Whitcomb is thrilled to be working with BOBDIREX this summer! Thomas will be attending Plainfield High School as a Senior.  Some of his favorite productions include OKLAHOMA! (Ali Hakim), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Jimmy), SHREK (Shrek), as well as  JOSEPH… and THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Beef and Boards. His hobbies are reading, singing, dancing, puppetry and just hanging out with his family. Thomas would like to thank his family, mom for her support, his sister Becky for her advice, Bob, Kenny, and Trevor for the opportunity, and God for his talents.